Not enough jets
Another issue is the production capacity of manufacturers of Western fighter jets and their order backlogs.
“Even if we had all the money, we would not get the jets fast. Nobody is simply selling enough in the world,” a Ukrainian military official told POLITICO, speaking on condition of anonymity to talk candidly. “Just Google how many countries are waiting in lines for Rafales. And I doubt anyone will let Ukraine skip the line and get them first.”
Saab is already working on a solution to help get Gripens to Ukraine. Last week, CEO Micael Johansson told Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail that it was discussing the production of Gripens under license with the Canadian government as well as Canadian company Bombardier. Factories in Canada could supply both the Canadian air force and Ukraine, he said.
But even if Kyiv gets the planes, the costs will continue.
“With Ukraine’s existing economic problems, it would be too expensive to maintain such a huge fleet alone,” said Anatolii Khrapchynskyi, an aviation expert and former officer in the Ukrainian air force. “But if Ukraine either joins NATO or creates a defensive alliance within Europe, then we can talk about a common defense budget that can help us maintain the fleet.”
Overall, operating a mixed fleet comes with challenges, but it’s a safer bet for Ukraine to diversify its suppliers instead of waiting for only one type of jet to be produced, the Ukrainian military official added. “Why did the Ukrainian force choose several different models? Simply because it is rather risky to put all eggs in one basket.”
Veronika Melkozerova reported from Kyiv. Clea Caulcutt contributed reporting from Paris.